Ofcom switching rules 'unlikely to create mass broadband migration'

The majority of UK broadband customers are no more likely to change provider following the introduction of new switching rules than they were before, a new survey suggests.

Research carried out by ISPreview shows that although 85% of broadband customers have switched providers at some point, just 15% will be doing so as a direct result of Ofcom's new regulations.

The media watchdog introduced the rules in June, as a means of making it easier for consumers to switch their home phone, broadband and TV services without encountering obstacles from their current provider.

Instead, all customers need to do is inform their new broadband provider that they intend to switch, and that company will be responsible for facilitating the transition.

It was thought that - much like the introduction of the current account switching service for UK banks - Ofcom's regulations would empower many broadband providers who were previously reticent to change providers to finally make the move.

However, ISPreview's figures suggest otherwise, with the 15% of people who intend to switch at odds with the two-thirds of customers who are aware of the change to regulations.

When questioned, a quarter of people who have previously switched provider said that the transition was problematic, while a further 7% claim the process was a slow one.

Overall, 46% of customers say that the new switching process will not make them any more likely to switch, while 38% say they are undecided.

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